The final Queen’s Park Book Festival takes place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026. Eight talks are free and need no ticket, while the paid programme starts at £6 and includes Jacqueline Wilson, Louisa Young, Iain Dale, Sathnam Sanghera and Sebastian Barry.

Check availability and buy festival tickets →

Free talks on Saturday 5 September

  • 1pm: Moonlight Express. A free community-stage session.
  • 2.30pm: The Poetry of Parenthood. Poetry and conversation about becoming and being a parent.
  • 4pm: On Thin Ice. Adventurer Charlie Walker discusses extreme journeys and what they reveal.
  • 5.30pm: Big Man. Dean Atta talks with Jojo Silva about masculinity, belonging and queer identity in his new novel.

These sessions are listed as free with no tickets issued. Turn up on the day, but arrive early because seating may fill.

Free talks on Sunday 6 September

  • 1pm: Kilburn Street Style. A session rooted in local fashion and community stories.
  • 2.30pm: Prioritise This. A practical conversation about focusing on what matters.
  • 4pm: The Fox of Kensal Green. A locally connected literary session.
  • 5.30pm: Difficult Women. Lisa Harding and Anna Maconochie discuss women who resist easy labels.

The Sunday free sessions also operate on a walk-in basis with no ticket required.

Children’s talks with Jacqueline Wilson and Curtis Jobling begin at 11.30am on Saturday and cost £6. Rob Biddulph’s Sunday children’s event is also £6.

Other choices include Louisa Young at 1pm on Saturday, Iain Dale and Natasha Walter at 4pm on Saturday, a Saturday comedy night, and talks on food, art, George Michael, history and fiction throughout Sunday. Adult talk prices currently range from £9 to £15.

Theo Randall and Philip Pullman’s advertised appearances have been cancelled. They should not be used as a reason to travel to the festival.

What is free and what costs extra?

The eight community talks above are free. The main author programme needs a separate ticket for each session, and books, food and drinks cost extra. Bringing water and a snack is the simplest way to keep the visit cheap.

Getting there

Queen’s Park station, served by the Bakerloo line and London Overground, is the nearest station. The festival site is inside Queen’s Park, with access from Kingswood Avenue and Harvist Road.

The festival takes place in park marquees and outdoor areas. Check the weather, wear suitable shoes and allow time to find the correct tent before your session.

Useful questions

Do the free talks require booking?
No. The organiser says the free sessions do not issue tickets and visitors should turn up on the day. Arrive early if a particular talk matters to you.
Is the whole festival free?
No. Eight community talks are free. The separate ticketed programme starts at £6 for children’s events, with adult talks generally costing £9 to £15.
Is the festival suitable for children?
Yes. Jacqueline Wilson, Curtis Jobling and Rob Biddulph have ticketed children’s sessions. Check the individual listing for its subject and any age guidance before booking.
Can I bring a dog?
Yes. The festival FAQ says well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed on the site and inside events.
Is this really the final festival?
Yes. The organisers have announced that the ninth edition in 2026 will be the final Queen’s Park Book Festival.

Source and last check

Details checked on 3 September 2026 using the official Queen’s Park Book Festival website, its current ticket and programme page and the festival FAQ.